The Hindu : International : Terror attacks imminent, says U.S.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 28, 2004

International

International

Terror attacks imminent, says U.S.

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, MAY 27. Federal authorities have formally warned Americans of potential attacks this summer, beginning perhaps as early as this Saturday with the dedication of a new World War Two Memorial here, and have asked for help on information on seven suspects. The Attorney-General, John Ashcroft, said "disturbing intelligence" had been collected over several months that could even indicate that terrorists were already in the U.S. to execute the plan. But he acknowledged that there was no new information as to when, where or how an attack was going to take place; and officials at the Homeland Security Department have said that there are no plans as of now to raise the threat level. "We do believe that Al-Qaeda plans to attack the United States and that is as a result of intelligence that is corroborated at a variety of levels," Mr. Ashcroft said at a news briefing where the FBI Director, Robert Mueller, was present.

The administration has also called on the American people to not only be vigilant about the surroundings but also pass on any information they may have on seven suspects, six of whom, including two Canadians, are deemed to be Al-Qaeda operatives. The seventh person, according to the FBI, is an American citizen who was born in California, converted to Islam as a teenager, attended Al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan. According to Mr. Ashcroft, each of the suspects was a "clear and present danger."

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